What does an optometrist do?
An optometrist gives eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, and treats some eye conditions. They do not do eye surgery. Health plans cover eye exams for children; adult routine eye exams are often not covered, but medical eye problems usually are.
Last updated November 11, 2026
When people see one
- You need an eye exam or a new glasses prescription.
- Your eyes are red, itchy, or irritated.
- You have diabetes and need a yearly eye check.
How it differs
Ophthalmologist (eye doctor, MD): An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who treats eye disease and performs eye surgery. An optometrist handles exams, vision correction, and many common eye conditions.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? Plan filings list referral rules only for specialists. Some plans need a doctor's order or prior approval for this care, so check the plan's summary of benefits.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Routine Eye Exam for Children" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $0 a visit on 43 of 56 plans; on the other 13, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $0 to $35 a visit on 48 of 58 plans; on the other 10, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $0 to $30 a visit on 20 of 30 plans; on the other 10, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
In-network care costs less. Out-of-network visits on an HMO or EPO usually aren't covered except in an emergency.
In Colorado
Public records list 1,146 optometrists at 686 Colorado locations. Colorado shows 3,744 active licenses of this kind, including people who don't see patients or work out of state.
- El Paso County: 94 locations
- Jefferson County: 89 locations
- Arapahoe County: 75 locations
- Denver County: 70 locations
- Boulder County: 50 locations
- Larimer County: 50 locations
Counties with the fewest: Sedgwick (1), San Miguel (1), Routt (1), Prowers (1), Pitkin (1). 24 counties have none.
Questions to ask the office
- Are you taking new patients?
- Do you bill my 2027 plan for medical eye problems? Which plan and network name?
- Is a routine vision exam covered, or is there a separate vision plan?
- How long is the wait for a first appointment?